Experience the re-awakening of Spring along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. From the enchanting Keukenhof Gardens, in the Netherlands, at the peak of tulip season to the majestic heights of Switzerland. See the countryside bloom as we sail these two historic rivers of Europe.

Highlights

23 Meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinner)

Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Tours

Narrated cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage Region of the Rhine River Valley

All meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisines

Four course lunches and dinners onboard, served with complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks

Afternoon tea time and late evening snacks served daily in the lounge

Complimentary WiFi onboard

Enhanced touring experience with included audio headsets

Walk-out balcony in the Horizon Deck suites

‘Inside balcony’ with drop down window in the Horizon and Vista deck staterooms

Included two-night stay and touring in Lucerne, Switzerland

Visit to Keukenhof Gardens at the height of tulip season

German entertainment onboard in Koblenz

Insightful presentation on the history of the Rhine River

Culinary demonstration by the ship's chef

$55 in Mayflower Money

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart the USA

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Day 2 Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Transfer to your exclusively chartered river ship, the MS Emerald Sun. Plan to arrive at the ship by 2:00pm. On a narrated canal cruise, view the city from a different perspective as you pass historic buildings, lovely townhomes and churches at water level. Meal: D

Day 3 Keukenhof Gardens

On an included excursion to Keukenhof, you’ll discover why it’s called the "Garden of Europe.” On this amazing life enriching experience, admire gorgeous flowers at the height of tulip season! Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 Cologne, Germany

While visiting 2,000-year-old Cologne, enjoy an included walking tour to the town center and Domplatz – home of the magnificent cathedral which serves as the symbol of the city. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 Cochem, Germany

Rated as one of the prettiest villages along the Mosel, Cochem is best known for its fortified gates, pastel-colored or half-timbered buildings, Baroque towers and vintages of Mosel Riesling wine. Enjoy an included guided tour of the 19th-century Reichsburg Castle. This afternoon, the ship sails on to Koblenz. A lively performance by local German entertainers takes place onboard our vessel this evening. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Koblenz and Rüdesheim

Enjoy an included walking tour of this historic city at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. Stroll through the narrow lanes and romantic squares of the city center past some of the cultural monuments, medieval churches and beautifully restored houses. This afternoon you won’t want to miss the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the “Splendor of the Rhine” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring St. Goar and the legendary Lorelei Rock.
This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, one of the Rhine’s most delightful towns. Your Mayflower Cruise Directors will walk you into town where you’ll have free time to stroll through the alleyways filled with shops. Enjoy your evening in Rüdesheim and stop in a beer hall or wine tavern along the lively Drosselgasse. Filled with music and song, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample the best of genuine Rhine hospitality! Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Optional Excursion: Heidelberg

A brief port call is made in Mannheim for disembarkation of the optional excursion to Heidelberg. Known as Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg is also famous for the ruins of its red-walled 16th-century castle. The ship continues to Speyer where the optional excursion will end. Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 Strasbourg, France

Between France and Germany lies lovely Strasbourg, one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Enjoy a panoramic tour before the walking tour of the city center takes you on a stroll through the charming Old Quarter, “La Petite France,” with its typical Alsatian half-timbered houses. The Main Square is dominated by the magnificent gothic cathedral with carvings as delicate as any piece of hand-made lace. Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 Lucerne, Switzerland

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Basel, Switzerland to begin your Swiss adventure. Depart by motorcoach to Lucerne, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and meadows. An included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark, the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge that crosses the Reuss River. See the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall and town squares, all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meal: B

Day 10 Optional Excursion: Mt. Pilatus

Your last day is left free of planned activities. Enjoy on your own, or join the optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This evening, get together for an included dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, D

Day 11 Lucerne / USA

Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life enriching experiences from your cruise along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. Meal: B

Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. Expiry date of passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of tour. If you don’t have a passport, call our office and we’ll tell you how to apply for one. Some countries require visas for entry by U.S. citizens. We will send visa applications and instructions if a visa is required for your tour. Holders of non-U.S. passports should contact their nearest consulate and inquire about the necessary passport or visa documentation required for entry into the countries visited. NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.